DAR AL HARB - GHANA: MOSLEM CLERICS SHOULD NOT FAN ANTI-AMERICANISM AMONGST MOSLEMS

Don`t fan anti-American sentiments Ghanaian Muslim clerics advised

Alhaji Ali Salifu, leader of the Friends against Global Terrorism (FAGLAT), an NGO-based in Kumasi, has called on Muslim clerics not to use the electronic media to fan anti-American sentiments among Ghanaians and thereby mar the hitherto very healthy co-operation between the two countries.

He advised the clerics who have access to the media to make maximum use of that opportunity to tailor good messages of peace, which have the potential to stem global terrorism and violence.

In a release signed by Alhaji Salifu and made available to the media in Kumasi yesterday, the FAGLAT leader, called on the preachers to rather label those hiding in religious gowns to commit acts that Islam does not sanction as the “terrorists”.

“Our Muslim clerics should consider the good relations that exist between the government of Ghana and that of the United States of America (USA) and the benefits accruing from it and not attempt to mar it”, he added.

He maintained that Islam did not promote terrorism and that “every terrorist will be brought before Allah to answer charges in the day of judgement”.


Ghana:

Ethnic groups:
African 98.5% (includes Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%, Gurma 3%, Yoruba 1%), European and other 1.5% (1998)
Religions:
Christian 63%, Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs 21%
Languages:
English (official), African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga)
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 74.8% male: 82.7% female: 67.1% (2003 est.)


Pertinent Links:

1) Don`t fan anti-American sentimentsGhanaian Muslim clerics advised

2) CIA Factbook - Ghana